Formula Recall

Ok, after my last post this seems a little ironic, but I wanted to pass this along.  Formula is only evil if it contains beetle larvae!!  Seriously, that is the reason for the recall.  Check to see if your Similac product is on the recall list.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100923/ap_on_he_me/us_abbott_infant_recall

Formula is not evil

I saw something on a friend's page about "people who think formula is evil".  I know I have written posts about this before, but just had so post something again.

I don't think that formula is evil.  I don't even think it's bad.  I don't think anyone is a bad parent for feeding formula to their baby.

But, let's be honest, formula is artificial human milk.  It is a substitute for what God gave us to feed babies, breast milk.  Formula has it's place and has even been used with good outcomes for some babies.  But formula will never be and can never replace breast milk.

Breast milk is what babies need, especially in the first few days and weeks of life.  Breast milk also has many benefits to baby and mother throughout the duration of breastfeeding.  The number of women who truly cannot breastfeed is very low (2-5%).  All other women and babies are physiologically capable of breastfeeding.  Allergies to breast milk are extremely rare.

In the US, many women have to go back to work after they have had their babies.  I am one of those women.  I do know how challenging it can be to breastfeed, pump, and work.  I also know that it can be done.  It is not easy, but also not impossible.  I do realize that some parents do not choose to use formula, but rather do so out of necessity and I respect that.

I believe that the vast majority of babies should be breastfed and that they and their mother's would all be healthier for it.  Formula is not evil, but I also don't think it should be used to liberally.  I guess the high monetary price tag is not enough to deter many parents from choosing it.  I encourage parents who are thinking of choosing formula over breast milk to: 1) read the ingredient label on a can of formula, 2) taste it, 3) know that if you ChOoSe to use formula you are passing up something that is better and also free.

C-section rates

This is why I do what I do....
http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2010/09/13/2010-09-13_california_links_higher_csection_rates_to_forprofit_hospitals.html

Birthing and Breastfeeding doll

After my other post about the breastfeeding baby doll, I thought I would follow up with another.
Here is a doll that not only gives birth, but also breastfeeds.  They are very cute!  I think this could be a very tasteful way of educating children about "where babies come from".
www.MamAmorDolls.com

Stem cells in Breast Milk

The human body is amazing.....here is yet another reason to breastfeed your baby!

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/stem-cells-could-be-the-secret-reason-why-breast-is-best-1825558.html

Breastfeeding Baby doll

I think this is an interesting idea.  I guess you could always just take away the bottle that comes with any other baby doll.  Having no little girls myself, I have no personal experience with this, but have friends whose little girls pretend to nurse their baby dolls.  After all, breastfeeding is the natural way to feed babies!

http://www.thingamababy.com/baby/2009/07/babyglutton.html